On the morning of June 3, 2019, a farewell ceremony and a memorial service for Elder Ji Jianhong, member of the tenth Standing committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and chairman of the Seventh National Committee of Three-self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Churches in China, were held in Fraternity Hall of Jiangsu Nanjing Funeral Home.

At 8:30 a.m., hosted by Rev. Wu Wei, president of China Christian Council, the farewell ceremony officially commenced. At the ceremony were leaders from relevant authorities, staff members from CC&TSPMs, family members and friends of Elder Ji Jianhong, along with brothers and sisters from churches both at home and abroad.

Rev. Shan Weixiang, vice president and general secretary of China Christian Council read condolence letters from the United Front Work Department of CPC Central Committee, General Office of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, etc.

On behalf of the relatives of Elder Ji, Mr. Ji Xiaohong expressed the gratitude towards all.

At 9:00 a.m., Rev. Wu Wei hosted the memorial service. Rev. Zhang Keyun, chairman of Jiangsu TSPM prayed. Nanjing St. Paul Church Choir sang the hymn Near to the Heart of God. Rev. He Jiemiao, president of Jiangsu Christian Council, and Rev. Chen Yilu, executive vice president of Nanjing Union Theological Seminary (NJUTS) read the lection.

Rev. Li Lancheng, president of Nanjing Christian Council gave a sermon entitled “Effects endures”, recalling the deeds of Eder Ji Jianhong eagerly serving at every stage of his life and urging the congregation to serve diligently.

Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairman of National TSPM, pictured vividly the life of Elder Ji Jianhong: he loved country and loved church, actively promoting the reconstruction of theological thinking; valued church orders and literature ministry in the church; accentuated theological education and the training for clerical laypersons; paid attention to the society and promoted Christian social services; initiated international exchanges through adjusting internal structure of CCC&TSPM and establishing Overseas Relations Department. Even after the retirement, Elder Ji Jianhong remained a devoted heart, kept concerned about the development of the church in China and offered advisable ideas for the indigenization and contextualization of Christianity in China.  

Afterwards, NJUTS Emeritus Prof. Rev. Zhao Zhi’en and Mr. Gu Mengfei, secretary general of National TSPM addressed respectively in rememberance of Elder Ji Jianhong. They recalled the whole lifetime of Elder Ji Jianhong as a man of diligence and optimist, perseverance and achievements, as well as thoughtfulness to fellow staff members. His great and effective efforts made in pushing the reconstruction of theological thinking deserved to be remembered, particularly during the early age of church restoration.   

Rev. Lin Manhong, associate general secretary of China Christian Council read condolence letters from other Christian groups.

In the mournful music, the congregation walked toward Elder Ji Jianhong by turns and paid the last respect to the remains.

May Elder Ji Jianhong rest in peace. He set a good model role for us to imitate in continuously deepening the reconstruction of theological thinking and running the glorious church in China.